Redwood City Police Announce "Operation
Silent Night" for New Years Eve 2003

Redwood City, CA - December 29, 2003 -
The Redwood City Police Department is advising the public
that what goes up…DOES come down, and that celebrating
the New Year by shooting a gun into the air is not only illegal,
it can hurt or kill people.

In response to random gunfire on New Years Eves in the past,
the Redwood City Police Department announces "Operation
Silent Night 2003." The Police Department hopes to reduce
random gunfire through a program of education, suppression,
and prosecution. The Department will be using its "Gunshot
Locator" system, which determines the exact location
of any firearm discharged in the city. The reckless discharge
of a firearm is a FELONY under section 246.3 of the Penal
Code and carries up to a three-year prison sentence.

Flyers have been distributed to neighborhoods, schools,
and local businesses offering a reward of up to $500 for information
leading to the arrest of any persons discharging firearms.
The Department has established a special gunshot telephone
hotline, which is (650) 780-7639, and urges the public to
call in the event gunfire is heard, particularly on New Years
Eve. Through increased public awareness, the Redwood City
Police have seen a significant decrease in calls of random
gunfire, and attribute it to this program.

The Department will also staff additional patrol officers
on New Years Eve, with directed patrol looking for drunk drivers,
random gunfire, and other disturbances. Teams of Redwood City
Police officers will be investigating and tracking down any
individuals shooting guns into the air. Arrests will be made
when possible and violators will be booked at San Mateo County
Jail.

The Department's goal in using the "Shot Spotter"
system, increased patrols, and public information is to reduce
or eliminate the incidence of gunfire in celebration of New
Years Eve. The public is asked to use the gunshot hotline,
celebrate without the use of firearms, and to have a safe
and happy New Years Eve.

Visit Redwood City’s website at www.redwoodcity.org
for information about the City and its services, the community,
recreation programs, education, and City government. The Redwood
City Police Department website is www.redwoodcity.org/police.